She gave the term sex act a whole new meaning: The Art of Alejandra Guerrero

Sometimes, words should fail us. This is one of those times.

One of the best new American photographers I'm aware of is Colombian born Alejandra Guerrero. In her work she explores and challenges female roles as sex symbols and is an active participant in her own carefully staged, emotional charged tableaus.

I came across her photo sessions, on Flickr, with pop sex goddess Julie Strain - a woman who has been photographed from every angle and every position possible. The key difference between all the illustrations and photos that I'd seen prior was that Alejandra included herself in the photos as a photographer. One with a searching eye. She appears to be trying to understand the mystifying attraction of Julie and also asking herself where she fits into the wider audience.

Alejandra is also a very beautiful model. When she is in front of the camera there is an hypnotic obsessive search occurring. A search that revolves around defining crucial mile markers of self-image and esteem. I dig the way she stares back into the barrel of the camera lens sharing a candid reflective moment.

In her serious work behind the camera, there are often extreme contrasts (clothed vs. naked, tied vs. free, beautiful vs. ugly) represented through two models having these kinds of wild physical encounters that often have a third party included as a voyeur (A, B, C). Her work is deeply provocative and sexually charged. Even the stuff that borders on porno borrows all the cliches - w/out the back hair or penetration but with the burning vitality. In this aspect, the themes of her compositions edge their way into deeper classifications of the nature of desire. Raw savage foreplay.

Alejandra's work explores the nature of being a viewer and empowers those who are viewed. She gives the term "sex act" a whole new meaning. Challenging, feisty new work.

References:

• Alejandra Guerreo, Portfolio Site